Fear of Falling for My Husband

I would think it is time now.

If your husband has this fear of falling and is open to use of a rollator or walker, I recommend he start using one. A physical therapist can show him the correct way to use it. My husband has used one for several years but he used it incorrectly. He kept it too far in front of him. This is the wrong way to use it. I have seen the up walkers used and have read they are much better but they are also pricey. There are also transport chairs which are much lighter in weight to get in and out of a vehicle.

Check him out for mini strokes, which can cause balance problems. How is his blood pressure level?
Go for a physical and get the Dr to do complete lab works and exam please.
VJ

@katrii

Do you know WHY your husband shuffles and takes baby steps? Is it a physical necessity, or because of his fear of falling?

If it is a physical necessity, like some type of neuropathy, I would recommend (I am not a doctor) investigating the source of the issue. My dad has drop foot in both feet. At 94, a neurologist wants him to have several MRIs to find out the source. (He has had it for decades and has chosen to not pursue the source at this point.). But he has leg braces that fit into a pair of his shoes, that greatly help with safer ambulation.

Dad used only a cane for years, but it was not sufficient due to his balance issues along with this neuropathy, and he did fall frequently (and brought on a lot of unwanted attention holding onto walls and chairs and things as he wobbled along his route). He uses a walker now (not a rollater, which in his case would be unsafe), and it is essential.

We also use a transfer chair (a foldable wheelchair—available on Amazon and other sites), for longer distance appointments like at hospitals, etc. My home has a couple of front steps, so I purchased a foldable ramp on Amazon and use it with the transfer chair to get dad to and from the car (if you do this, be careful to NEVER take him down the ramp going forward—always go backwards going down. And the ramp is not safe for a walker, at least the one I have is not).

I pray you find help and answers for this difficult situation!

@southwest

In the physical therapy, they specifically said not to depend on a shopping cart for balance. Apparently the things unexpectedly move and if your balance is bad to begin with, you can fall.

I’m a fan of the older standard folding walker with the front 2 wheels. I only use the rollator with larger wheels on uneven ground and when I know I will need to sit before getting to my destination.

That said, the standard walker screams, “I am old and infirm. “ That’s why so many of us don’t use it although it is lightweight and convenient and it really works.

So hard—he’s resisting. I think he believes he’s cruising toward an early demise—a little depressed?! And we’re at a crossroads of still walking, but preferring to watch tv ( and do a gym rotation every other day, or Costco). I’m sure everyone goes through these “stages.” I will discuss the walker w/ our PCP next week…thanks for the sharing💞

A Rollator can literally be a life saver, you can die from falling down.

@bmfoster - I was prescribed a four prong cane by my neurologist. It's terrible! Difficult is not strong enough to descibe t h e four prong cane. I use a single, and it's easier to use.
I have a rollator and a wheelchair for extended times away from home.

@barryl
I've been using a standard one prong cane off and on for unsteady gait myself and find it very helpful. The multi-prong canes are stable when you are standing still, but tend to drag and catch on the carpet/floor when moving. I don't need the cane all the time becx my unsteadiness tends to wax and wane. The next step for me would be a rollator, but hopefully not for a while. I also follow recommendations to stand in place for 15 to 30 seconds when first getting up to give myself time to adjust to a position change; move slowly when turning; and WATCH where I put my feet. Be safe my friend.

@bmfoster - Yes, agree with all you described. Hang in there... we'll do just fine.
Barry